Double slider valve fitment

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a fitment for attachment to a container for holding and dispensing a fluid. The fitment comprises a generally cylindrical spout having an external surface capable of mating with a collar of a dispensing connector, an external slider movable axially within said spout and an internal slider movable axially within the external slider. The internal slider is movable between a closed position that prevents the flow of fluid through the fitment and an open position that allows for the flow of fluid through the fitment. The internal slider is adapted to be moved between the closed and open positions by insertion of a dispensing connector into the external slider adjacent said internal slider. The internal slider is biased towards said closed position.

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/458,077 filed Mar. 27, 2003, which is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention provides a quick-disconnect coupling andvalve assembly for the dispensing of liquids and semi-liquids from acollapsible bag. More particularly the present invention relates to afitment using a double slider valve for use in a quick-disconnectcoupling and valve assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Many systems are used for dispensing beverage syrup from adisposable package consisting of a flexible collapsible bag in acorrugated box commonly referred to as a bag-in-box dispensing package.

[0004] Generally these systems include a bag that is provided with afitment in the form of a spout through which filling and dispensingoccurs. It is generally desirable to provide a quick-disconnect couplingbetween the spout and the service line of the pump or other type ofbeverage mixing and dispensing system. Such a coupling may be carried onthe spout fitment of the bag and will work in conjunction with theservice line connector, and is commonly called in the art asingle-service valve and coupling since it is discarded with the bagwhen it is emptied. This type of valve opens automatically as the lineconnector is connected to the spout and closes as it is disconnectedtherefrom to prevent syrup from draining from the bag. An example of asingle-service valve is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,286,636, whichshows it in combination with a dip tube.

[0005] Other types of quick-disconnect couplings are known, however somesystems are dedicated to only one type of currently known service lineconnection, for example the coupling disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.4,445,551.

[0006] Some systems have recently been developed that are adapted to beused with various types of service line connectors. An example of such asystem is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,347,785 which discloses auniversal quick-disconnect coupling and valve. The fitment disclosed isadapted to be attached to a container for holding a liquid and includesa generally cylindrical spout that is capable of mating with adispensing connector. A slider moves axially within the spout, and has avalve mounted within it that moves from a closed position to an openposition upon insertion of a dispensing connector into the slider.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention provides a fitment for attachment to acontainer for holding and dispensing a fluid. The fitment comprises agenerally cylindrical spout having an external surface capable of matingwith a collar of a dispensing connector, an external slider movableaxially within said spout and an internal slider movable axially withinthe external slider. The internal slider is movable between a closedposition that prevents the flow of fluid through the fitment and an openposition that allows for the flow of fluid through the fitment. Theinternal slider is adapted to be moved between the closed and openpositions by insertion of a dispensing connector into the externalslider adjacent said internal slider. The internal slider is biasedtowards said closed position.

[0008] The present invention further provides a double slider valve foruse in a fitment, having a spout, the fitment for attachment to acontainer for holding and dispensing a fluid. The double slider valvehaving an external slider movable axially within said spout and aninternal slider movable axially within the external slider. The internalslider is movable between a closed position that prevents the flow offluid through the fitment and an open position that allows for the flowof fluid through the fitment. The internal slider is adapted to be movedbetween the closed and open positions by insertion of a dispensingconnector into the external slider adjacent said internal slider. Theinternal slider is biased towards said closed position.

[0009] The present invention also provides a container comprising thefitment described above.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The present invention is better understood with reference to theattached description and to the following Figures, wherein:

[0011]FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a preferred embodiment of thedouble slider valve fitment of the present invention including a cap;

[0012]FIG. 2 is an exploded side elevational view of the double slidervalve fitment of the invention;

[0013]FIG. 3 is an exploded cross-sectional side elevational view of thedouble slider valve fitment of the invention;

[0014]FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional side view of the external slider usedin the double slider valve fitment of the invention;

[0015]FIG. 4B is a front elevational view of the external slider of FIG.4A;

[0016]FIG. 4C is a rear elevational view of the external slider of FIG.4A;

[0017]FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the internalslider used in the double slider valve fitment of the invention;

[0018]FIG. 5B is a front elevational view of the internal slider of FIG.5A;

[0019]FIG. 5C is a rear elevational view of the internal slider of FIG.5B;

[0020]FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the double slider valvefitment in the closed position;

[0021]FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the double slider valvefitment of FIG. 6 in the open, or dispensing, position;

[0022]FIG. 8 shows the initial position of one type of connector beforeinsertion into the fitment;

[0023]FIG. 9 shows the position of the probe of the connector shown inFIG. 8 with the connector attached to the fitment prior to insertion ofthe probe into the external slider;

[0024] FIGS. 10A-E shows a series of operating positions of theconnector and fitment shown in FIGS. 8 and 9;

[0025]FIG. 11 shows the double slider valve fitment as prepared for usewith another type of conventional probe for dispensing the contents ofthe container prior to connection;

[0026] FIGS. 12A-E shows a series of operating positions of theconnector and double slider valve fitment shown in FIG. 11;

[0027] FIGS. 13 though 16 show alternative embodiments of the doubleslider valve fitment of the present invention;

[0028]FIG. 17A is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment ofthe external slider of the present invention;

[0029]FIG. 17B is a top view of the alternative embodiment of theexternal slider of FIG. 17A;

[0030]FIG. 17C is a cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment ofthe internal slider of the present invention; and

[0031]FIGS. 17D and E show top and bottom views, respectively, of thealternative embodiment of the internal slider of FIG. 17C.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] In a liquid dispensing apparatus such as is used to dispenseindividual servings of beverages and the like, the syrups, flavouringsand other ingredients are frequently supplied in collapsible containersenclosed and shipped within an outer container (“bag-in-box”). Theshipping package or container is provided with a fitment that accepts aprobe that is part of the dispensing apparatus in order to connect thesupply of liquid to the dispensing apparatus. The fitment generallycontains a valve that is actuated by the insertion of the probe of thedispensing apparatus in order to allow the liquid to flow into thedispensing apparatus. The fitment attached to the liquid container isgenerally termed a package connector and the probe or similar device onthe dispensing apparatus that interacts with the package connector isgenerally termed a dispensing connector.

[0033] The invention will be illustrated by reference to the drawingswhich illustrate a preferred embodiment thereof.

[0034] With reference to FIG. 1, the present invention provides a doubleslider valve fitment, illustrated generally at 20 for attachment to acontainer (not shown) for holding a liquid (not shown). The fitment 20comprises a generally cylindrical spout 22 with a first generallycylindrical slider 24 movable axially within said spout, and an internalslider 26 movable axially within the external slider 24. The internalslider 26 is movable between a closed position that prevents fluid fromflowing through the fitment to an open position that allows fluid toflow from the container through the fitment. Both positions areillustrated more clearly in FIGS. 10 and 11. The internal slider 26 isadapted to be moved between the closed and open positions by insertionof a dispensing connector into the external slider 24, adjacent theinternal slider 26. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the internal slider 26 issized to be received within the external slider 24, and is normallybiased towards the closed position. The closed and open positions willbe described in further detail below.

[0035] Each of the components of the double slider valve fitment 20 willnow be described with reference to the preferred embodiment of thepresent invention. As can be seen in FIGS. 1 through 3 the spout 22 isgenerally cylindrical shaped and has an external surface 28 capable ofmating with a collar of a dispensing connector. At one end of the spout22 there is a base portion 30 for attaching the spout to a wall of acontainer, not illustrated. Methods and means for attaching the spout 22to a wall of a container are well known in the art and it will beunderstood that a variety of attachment mechanisms may be used to securethe spout of the present invention to a container wall, such as by heatsealing or adhesive attachment.

[0036] Located at the opposing end of the spout 22 from the base portion30 is the spout opening 32 which is adapted to receive a dispensingconnector therein. In one embodiment of the present invention theinternal surface of the spout 22 includes an integrally molded stopridge 23 and sealing rings 25, both of which serve to limit the motionof the slider at certain stages in the functioning of the coupling anddispensing valve. The stop ridge 23 and sealing rings 25 are furtherdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,347,785 (Copp et al.) the disclosure ofwhich is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0037] As will be understood by a person skilled in the art, theexternal surface 28 of the spout 22 may include a series of externalthreads, not shown, which are adapted to mate with corresponding threadson one type of dispensing apparatus with which the double slider valvefitment 20 of the present invention may be used. In a preferredembodiment, as seen in FIGS. 1-3 the external surface 28 also includes afirst external flange 35 and a second external flange 36. The secondexternal flange 36 may also include at least two wings 37 extendingoutwardly therefrom, described further below. Both the first externalflange 35 and the second external flange 36 are operable to mate withdifferent dispensing connectors, as can be seen in FIGS. 8-12 and asdescribed below. It will be understood by a person skilled in the artthat different types of attachment means may be used on the externalsurface 28 of the spout 22 to connect it to various dispensingapparatuses with which it is to be used. For example, as illustrated inFIGS. 8-10 a flange may be used that cooperates with a mounting frame ofone type of dispensing connector, described below. Alternatively, asshown in the preferred embodiment, at least a pair of wings 37 may beattached to at least one flange 36 located on the external surface 28that will cooperate with an external frame of a different type ofdispensing apparatus. An example of such wings is described in furtherdetail in U.S. application Ser. No. 10/076,572 (Davis et al.) thedisclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0038] Turning now to FIGS. 4A-C, a preferred embodiment of the externalslider 24 of the present invention will now be described. The externalslider 24 is generally cylindrically shaped having an external shell 38that includes a stop ridge 40 at one end and a positioning ring 42 atthe opposing end. When the external slider 24 is positioned within thespout 22, shown in FIG. 1, the positioning ring 42 is located adjacentthe base portion 30 of the spout 22, and the stop ridge 40 is locatedadjacent the spout opening 32. Extending outwardly from the stop ridge40 are a plurality of spaced resilient gripping lugs 44, as described inU.S. Pat. Nos. 4,445,551 and 4,421,146 the disclosures of which areincorporated herein by reference. The lugs 44 are operable to be flexedinwardly and grip a dispensing connector (not shown) when the externalslider 24 is moved axially within the spout 22 upon insertion of adispensing connector (not shown), as is known in the art. It will beunderstood by a person skilled in the art that the gripping lugs 44 maycomprise one or more lugs or may be removed depending on the end use andwhether the additional gripping provided by the lugs is required in theembodiment within which the slider is to be used.

[0039] Within the external slider 24, adjacent the end with thepositioning ring 42 is an interior ledge 46 that extends around theinternal circumference of the shell 38. The ledge 46 has an uppersurface 48 that faces the end of the shell 38 containing the stop ridge40, and a lower surface 50 that faces the end of the shell 28 containingthe positioning ring 42. Extending away from the lower surface 50towards the end of the shell 38 which includes the stop ridge 40, are aseries of radially spaced posts 52 defining apertures 53 betweenadjacent posts 52. The posts 52 are more clearly shown in FIG. 1. Theposts 52 support a valve seat 54 at their lower ends 56. The posts 52extend substantially parallel to the shell 38 of the external slider 24and are spaced from the shell 38 such that liquid may flow between theshell 38 and the posts 52 and through the space between each post 52.The valve seat 54 is substantially circular and extends between thelower ends of the spaced posts 52.

[0040] The valve seat 54 includes a plurality of spaced projections 58that extend upwardly from the valve seat 54 towards the ledge 46. Theprojections 58 are preferably centrally located on the valve seat 54 andare radially spaced thereon and are operable to be received in theinternal slider 26 as will be described below. It will be understood bya person skilled in the art that the projections 58 may be spaced in anypattern and may form any shape that performs the same function as theprojections 58 described in the preferred embodiment, as will beunderstood from the description below. The function of the projections58 will also be described below in relation to the internal slider 26.Alternative shapes and dimensions of the projections 58 are describedbelow in relation to different embodiments of the present invention.

[0041] The external slider 24 may optionally include at least oneaperture 60 located in the side wall of the shell 38 adjacent the uppersurface 48 of the ledge 46. The at least one aperture 60 may assist theflow of liquid from a container (not shown) to which the fitment 20 isattached through to the dispensing connector (not shown), depending onthe type of connector the container is attached to.

[0042] Turning now to FIGS. 5A through 5C the internal slider 26 willnow be described. Located on the internal slider 26 are a series ofports 64 that allow the passage of fluid therethrough when the internalslider 26 is in the open position. When in the open position, the ports64 are in fluid communication with the apertures 53 between the posts 52of the external slider 24, as can be seen more clearly in FIG. 7.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, shown in FIGS. 5A-C, the internalslider 26 includes a generally cylindrical body 66 with a base ring 68that extends around one end of the body 66, and a top ring 70 thatextends outwardly from and around the opposing end of the body 66 fromthe base ring 68. A central post 74 extends away from the body at theopposing end to the base ring 68, and is operable to engage the probe ofa dispensing connector, not shown, when the fitment 20 is attached to adispensing connector.

[0044] As can be seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the body 66 is sized to bereceived within the external slider 24 extending beyond the ledge 46 ofthe external slider 24 and operable to abut the valve seat 54. The topring 70 is sized to extend beyond the circumference of the body 66 torest against and abut the ledge 46 when the internal slider 26 is in theopen position, shown in FIG. 7. In the open position, the insertion of adispensing connector moves the plug 26 towards the valve seat 54 andpositions the base ring 68 of the body 66 adjacent the valve seat 54.The projections 58 on the valve seat 54 are biased inwardly by theinternal walls of the body 66 of the internal slider 26.

[0045] In the preferred embodiment the internal walls 75 of the body 66are sloped inwardly to bias the projections 58 inwardly when the plug 26is located adjacent the valve seat 54, as can be seen in FIG. 7. Whenthe dispensing connector is removed, the projections 58 will return totheir normally biased position and flex outwardly. When the projections58 move outwardly, the internal slider 26 will be forced away from thevalve seat 54 and the internal slider 26 will return to the closedposition, shown in FIG. 6. Other embodiments may be utilised that forcethe projections to bend away from their normally biased position uponinsertion of the line connector into the fitment, provided that when theline connector is removed the projections will force the internal slider26 away from the valve seat 54 to the closed position.

[0046] When the internal slider 26 returns to the closed position, itmay return to either a its initial position or to one in which the topring 70 is lower than in the initial position, i.e. closer to the ledge46, provided that there is a seal between the internal slider 26 and theexternal slider 24, and no fluid can pass through the fitment 20. Theclosed position referred to in the description includes both suchpositions in which the internal slider 26 is moved away from the valveseat 54 as described above, and where no fluid can pass through thefitment 20.

[0047] It will be understood by a person skilled in the art in light ofthe above description that the external slider is operable to move alongthe inside of the spout in a smooth telescoping movement whilemaintaining continuous contact with the spout to provide a seal therebetween. Likewise the internal slider is operable to move along theinside of the external slider in a smooth telescoping movement. Furtherthe internal slider acts like a plug within the external slider and isseated within the external slider in the open position to allow fluid topass through and is unseated in the closed position to prevent fluidfrom passing through. Variations on the shape and dimensions of theinternal and external sliders are included in the present inventionprovided that they perform the function of the sliders discussed herein.

[0048] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown inFIGS. 1-3 a cap 25 may be provided to protect the double slider valvefitment and keep it clean during shipping and storage. As shown in FIG.3, the cap 25 may include a cover 27, and a skirt 29 bearing an outerretaining ring 31 for retaining the cap 25 on the fitment 20 duringshipping, and an internal cylinder 33 bearing an internal retaining ring35 which retains the cap 25 on the external slider 24 when the cap 25,external slider 24, and internal slider 26 are removed as a unit inorder to fill the container. An example of a suitable cap that may beused is further disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,347,785 the subject matterof which is herein incorporated by reference. Other alternatives will beapparent to a person skilled in the art.

[0049] The open and closed positions of the external slider 24 and theinternal slider 26 will now be described in more detail with referenceto FIGS. 6 and 7. The closed position of the fitment 20 is illustratedin FIG. 6. In the closed position the internal slider 26 is received inthe external slider 24 with the top ring 70 spaced from the uppersurface 48 of the ledge 46. The base ring 68 of the internal slider 26abuts against the upper ends of the posts 52 of the external slider 24and blocks any flow of fluid through the apertures 53 located betweenthe posts 52. The closed position prevents any fluid from passingthrough the fitment 20 into the dispensing connector.

[0050] In the open position, illustrated in FIG. 7 in which a dispensingconnector, not shown, applies a downward force on the internal slider26, the internal slider 26 is moved axially within the external slider24 towards the valve seat 54. The top ring 70 of the internal slider 26rests adjacent the upper surface 48 of the ledge 46, preventing furtheraxial movement of the internal slider 26 towards the valve seat 54. Itwill be understood by a person skilled in the art that further axialmovement of the internal slider 26 may be prevented by either the topring 70 abutting the ledge 46 or the position of the valve seat 54adjacent the internal slider 26 or by both. The base ring 68 restsagainst the valve seat 54 and the projections 58 on the valve seat 54are biased inwardly by the internal walls 75 of the body 66 of theinternal slider 26. In this position the ports 64, not shown, of theinternal slider 26 are in fluid communication with the apertures 53located between the posts 52 on the external slider 24, and fluid canflow from the container between the shell 38 and the valve seat 54through the apertures 53 between the posts 52 and through the ports 64on the internal slider 26, into the dispensing connector. The open andclosed position will be described in further detail below in relation tothe use of the fitment 20 on a container with two different types ofdispensing connectors. However, it will be understood that the fitment20 may be used with many different types of dispensing connectors knownin the art, for example, but not limited to, those illustrated anddiscussed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,347,785.

[0051] Once the dispensing connector is removed the downward pressure onthe internal slider 26 is released and the projections 58 will move totheir normally biased position and push outwardly against the internalwalls 75 of the body 66 which will push the internal slider 26 up andaway from the valve seat 54 towards the closed position, describedabove.

[0052] The use of the double slider valve fitment 20 with a dispensingconnector will now be described. FIG. 8 illustrates the initial positionof one type of dispensing connector 100 before it is used with thefitment 20 of the present invention. A mounting frame 102 is attached tothe fitment 20 to provide a means for attaching the support structure,not shown, of probe 108 of the connector 100, to the fitment 20. Themounting frame 102 is provided with flanges 104 and 106 that are spacedapart to fit snugly between flanges 35 and 36 of fitment 20. The probecomprises a body 108 having a central channel 109 and a valve member 110as well as sealing O-rings 112 and 114, as well as spring means, notshown, to hold the valve member 110 in its closed position when theprobe 108 is not inserted into the fitment 20.

[0053]FIG. 9 shows the connector 100 attached to the fitment 20 withmounting frame 102 connected by flanges 104 and 106 located betweenflanges 35, 36 on fitment 20. The probe 108 is spaced form the fitment20 and located above spout opening 32.

[0054] FIGS. 10A-E shows a series of positions during the insertion andremoval of the probe 108 of FIG. 9 into the fitment 20.

[0055]FIG. 10A shows the initial position of probe 108 as it is advancedinto the external slider 24. In FIG. 10B the probe body 108 is sealedwithin the external slider 24 by the-outside O-ring 112. FIGS. 10B and10C show the advancement of probe 108 into external slider 24. FIG. 10Bshows the probe 108 abutting the internal slider 26 with central post 74extending into the probe 108.

[0056]FIG. 10C shows the position of internal slider 26 when the probe108 extends further into external slider 24, pushing internal slider 26towards and abutting against valve seat 54. In this position ports 64are in fluid communication with the apertures 53 located between posts52. The projections 58 are biased inwardly by the internal walls 75 ofthe body 66 of the internal slider 26. The fitment 20 is in the openposition.

[0057] In FIG. 10D the probe 108 is moved further into the fitment 20and the external slider 24 moves axially within the shell 28 and extendsinto the liquid container. The internal slider 26 remains fullydepressed adjacent the valve seat 54 of the external slider 24. Thevalve member 110 of the dispensing connector 100 remains open throughcontact with the central post 74 of the internal slider 26. The liquidcan then flow from the container through the apertures 53, not shown,located between the posts 52 and through the ports 64, not shown, in theinternal slider 26 and into the central channel 109 of the dispensingconnector 100.

[0058]FIG. 10E shows the probe 108 removed from the fitment 20 after theliquid has been dispensed. As can be seen the external slider 24 hasbeen withdrawn from the container back into the shell 28. Internalslider 26 is moved upwardly and away from valve seat 54 due to thebiasing of the projections 58 outwardly to their normal position oncethe downward pressure of the probe 108 is removed.

[0059]FIG. 11 shows the initial position of connector-valve as preparedfor use with a third type of dispensing connector 200 having a threadedcollar 202. The threaded collar 202, having internal threads 204 ispositioned to engage the external threads 34 of the spout 22. The probe208 of the dispensing connector 200 is sized to fit in sealingengagement within the body of the external slider 24. The probe 208 hasa central channel 209, and includes a valve member 210 and sealingO-rings 212 and 214, as well as spring means, not shown, to hold thevalve member 210 in its closed position when the dispensing connector200 is not inserted into the fitment 20.

[0060] FIGS. 12A-E show the dispensing connector 200 of FIG. 11 in aseries of operating positions identical to those illustrated in FIG.10A-E. Reference numerals for the same structures have been kept andnumerals of similar structure have been increased by 100. As can be seenfrom FIGS. 12A-E when the fitment 20 is used with dispensing connector200 the external slider 24 is not moved into the container, not shown,by the probe 208.

[0061] It will be understood by a person skilled in the art the fitment20 may be used with various dispensing connectors. It is known thatdispensing connectors may attach to fitments in various ways, includingthose described above with reference to FIGS. 10 through 12. It willtherefore be understood that when the fitment 20 is attached to adispensing connector, depending on how the connection is formed and howthe dispensing connector works, the external slider 24 may or may not bemoved axially inside the spout 22 to extend into the container.

[0062] In each case when the probe is removed from the fitment 20 theprojections 58 located on the valve seat 54 force the internal slider 26away from the valve seat 54 of the external slider 24 to the closedposition to prevent leakage from the container. Similarly the springmembers of the dispensing connectors operate to seal the valve membersof the dispensing connectors.

[0063] Alternative embodiments for the external slider 24 and theinternal slider 26 will now be discussed with reference to FIGS. 13though 16.

[0064]FIG. 13 shows an alternative embodiment of the fitment 20 of thepresent invention in which the external slider 324 and the internalslider 326 differ. As discussed in the embodiment above, the externalslider 324 includes a valve seat 354 having a plurality of spacedprojections 358 that extend upwardly from the valve seat 354.

[0065] The internal slider 326 includes a lower body portion 328 withouter walls 330 and an upper ring portion 332 that extends outwardlyfrom and around the opposing end of the lower body portion 328 from theouter walls 330. A central post 374 extends away from the lower bodyportion 328 and is operable to engage the probe of a dispensingconnector, not shown, when the fitment 20 is attached to a dispensingconnector. A series of flexible fingers 376 extend away from the upperring portion 332 within the area defined by the outer walls 330 andspaced therefrom, towards the valve seat 354 of the external slider 324,when the internal slider 326 is located within the external slider 324assembled. The flexible fingers 376 are positioned to abut against theinside surface of the spaced projections 358 located on the externalslider 324.

[0066] As discussed in the embodiment above, located on the internalslider 326 are a series of ports, not shown, that allow the passage offluid therethrough when the internal slider 326 is in the open position.The internal slider 326 and the external slider 324 work in the samemanner as described above. When in use a dispensing connector, notshown, applies a downward force on the internal slider 326 pushing ittowards the valve seat 354 on the external slider 324. As the internalslider 326 is moved towards the valve seat 354 the fingers 376 arebiased inwardly by the inside surfaces of the spaced projections 358.The internal slider 326 is moved until it reaches the open position inwhich the fingers 376 abut against the valve seat 354 and fluid can passthrough the container between the posts, not shown, of the externalslider 326 and through the ports, not shown, on the internal slider 326.When the dispensing is complete the dispensing connector is removed fromthe internal slider 326 and the resilient fingers 376 flex outwardlytowards their normal position pushing against the inside surfaces of theprojections 358. The outward movement of the fingers 376 pushes theinternal slider 326 away from the valve seat 354 and the internal slider326 returns to the closed position.

[0067] As will be understood from the above description the biasingaction of the flexible fingers 376 against the projections 358 performsthe same function as the internal biasing of projections 58 on the valveseat 54 by the internal walls 75. It will be understood by thedescription provided herein that in all of the embodiments discussedonce a dispensing connector is removed from the internal slider thebiasing action between the parts of the external slider and the parts ofthe internal slider causes the internal slider to move away from thevalve seat of the external slider and into the closed position.

[0068]FIGS. 14 through 16 illustrate other embodiments that fall withinthe scope of the invention to achieve the biasing action between theexternal slider and the internal slider, and will now be described.

[0069] As can be seen in FIG. 14, the external slider 424 includes avalve seat 454 that is flexible and curves towards the internal ledge446. The internal slider 426 includes a lower body portion 428 that hasan internal configuration that is shaped to correspond to the shape ofthe valve seat 454. Extending away from the lower body portion 428 inthe opposite direction to the central post 474 is a second post 476. Thesecond post 476 is positioned to abut and flex the valve seat 454 whenthe internal slider 426 is moved axially towards the valve seat 454 by adispensing connector, not shown. When a dispensing connector pushes theinternal slider 426 towards the valve seat 454, the second post 476 willabut against the valve seat 454 and flex the valve seat 454 towards thecontainer, not shown, until the internal slider 426 is in the openposition and fluid can pass therethrough. Once the dispensing connectoris removed and there is no pressure forcing the internal slider 426against the valve seat 454, the valve seat 454 will flex upwardly andreturn to its normal position, as shown in FIG. 14. As the valve seat454 returns to the normal position it pushes against the second post 476and moves the internal slider 426 away from the valve seat 454 back intothe closed position.

[0070] Turning to FIG. 15 a further alternative embodiment of thefitment 20 is illustrated in which the external slider 524 has the sameconfiguration as that described in FIG. 14 above. The internal slider526 in this embodiment includes a lower body portion 528 that is solidand in the closed position may lie adjacent the upper surface of thecurved valve seat 554 of the external slider 524. It will be understoodthat the lower body portion 528 may be located at any position above thevalve seat 554 and does not have to lie adjacent the top surface. When adispensing connector, not shown, is connected to the fitment 20 theinternal slider 526 is forced axially downwards towards and against thevalve seat 554 which causes the valve seat 554 to flex inwardly towardsthe container, not shown. Once the dispensing connector is removed andthe internal slider 526 is no longer pushed towards the valve seat 554,the valve seat 554 flexes back into its normal position, and in so doingpushes the lower body portion 528 and thereby the internal slider 526away from the valve seat 554 into the closed position.

[0071]FIG. 16 illustrates a further alternative embodiment of thefitment 20 of the present invention. As can be seen from the Figure theexternal slider 624 does not include the valve seat discussed above inFIGS. 1 through 15 but includes an internal valve wall 660 that extendsacross the internal diameter of the external slider 624 at the locationof the internal ledge 646. The internal valve wall 660 includes aprojection 662 that extends towards the spout opening of the fitment 20when the external slider 624 is located therein. The internal valve wall660 includes openings, not shown, that allow the walls 664 of the lowerbody portion 628 of the internal slider 626 to pass therethrough,between posts 652.

[0072] The internal slider 626 includes a lower body portion 628 and anupper ring portion 632, the lower body portion 628 includes walls 664that extend away from the upper ring portion 632 and slide between posts652 of the external slider 624 when the internal slider 626 is locatedtherein. The lower body portion 628 includes a hollow central portiondefined by the internal surface of the walls 664 and by an upper ledge666.

[0073] When a dispensing connector, not shown, is attached to thefitment 20 and pushes the internal slider 526 towards the internal valvewall 660 to the open position, the projection 662 is compressed by theupper ledge 666 of the internal slider 626. When the dispensingconnector is removed and no pressure is placed on the internal slider626 the projection 662 will return to its normal position and flexagainst the upper ledge 666 moving the internal slider 626 back into theopen position.

[0074] FIGS. 17A-E illustrate a further embodiment of the externalslider 724 and the internal slider 726 of the present invention. As canbe seen the external slider 724 has an outer cylindrical shape thatcorresponds to the internal cylindrical shape of shell, not shown,within which the external slider 724 is located during use. The internalgeometry of the external slider 724 can however be of any shape, asshown in FIG. 17B in which the cross section of the internal geometry ofthe external slider 724 is substantially square. The internal slider 726has a geometry that corresponds to the internal geometry of the externalslider 724 to allow the internal slider 726 to slide within the externalslider 724. Top and bottom views of the internal slider are shown inFIGS. 17D and 17E. Variations on the geometry of both sliders are withinthe scope of the present invention provided that the internal slider isoperable to telescope within the external slider, and the externalslider is operable to telescope within the shell of the fitment.

[0075] The fitment 20 of the present invention may be made from anysuitable material known by persons skilled in the art. For example, thespout 22, the external slider 24 and the internal slider 26 may be madefrom any suitable plastic, in particular any plastic suitable forinjection molding, which will be known by a person skilled in the art.Examples include, but are not limited to, linear low densitypolyethylene and polypropylene. In one embodiment of the presentinvention, the internal slider 26 may be made from a different materialfrom the external slider 24. For example, the internal slider 26 may bemade from a softer material, preferably linear low density polyethylene.

[0076] Although the invention has been described in terms of aparticular preferred embodiment thereof, the skilled practitioner willunderstand that the external adapter ring can have any configurationneeded to accept and mount a dispensing connector. Appropriate flanges,grooves, threads, or the like can be formed on the external surface ofthe spout 22 as required to contact mating elements on a dispensingconnector. The fitment 20 may be used in combination with an internaladapter sleeve that may have a plurality of different internal diametersin different axial regions of the sleeve in order to accommodate aplurality of different dispensing connectors. Similarly, the valvearrangement for opening the valve of the package connector of theinvention can be of any type that is appropriate for use with a givendispensing connector. The internal slider can be any type that isactuated by insertion of a probe and moves axially within the externalslider between an open and closed position.

1. A fitment for attachment to a container for holding and dispensing afluid, the fitment comprising: a generally cylindrical spout having anexternal surface capable of mating with a collar of a dispensingconnector; a generally cylindrical external slider movable axiallywithin said spout; and a generally cylindrical internal slider movableaxially within said external slider, said internal slider movablebetween a closed position operable to prevent the flow of fluid throughthe fitment and an open position operable to allow the flow of fluidthrough the fitment, the internal slider being adapted to be movedbetween said closed and open positions by insertion of a dispensingconnector into said external slider adjacent said internal slider, saidinternal slider being biased towards said closed position.
 2. Thefitment according to claim 1, wherein the internal slider is biasedtowards said closed position by said external slider.
 3. A fitment forattachment to a container for holding and dispensing a fluid, thefitment comprising: a generally cylindrical spout having an externalsurface capable of mating with a collar of a dispensing connector; afirst generally cylindrical external slider movable axially within saidspout; a second generally cylindrical internal slider movable axiallywithin said external slider, said internal slider movable between aclosed position operable to prevent the flow of fluid through thefitment and an open position operable to allow the flow of fluid throughthe fitment and out of the container, the internal slider being adaptedto be moved between said closed and open positions by insertion of adispensing connector into said external slider adjacent said internalslider; and biasing means for resiliently biasing said internal slidertowards said closed position.
 4. The fitment according to claim 3, saidfirst generally cylindrical slider having a series of apertures thereinto allow the passage of fluid therethrough.
 5. The fitment according toclaim 3, wherein the biasing means comprises at least one projectionlocated on one of the external slider and the internal slider, the atleast one projection abutting against at least a portion of the otherslider.
 6. A double slider valve for use in a fitment having a spout,the fitment for attachment to a container for holding and dispensing afluid, the double slider valve comprising: a first generally cylindricalexternal slider movable axially within the spout; and a generallycylindrical internal slider movable axially within said external sliderand having a series of ports located therein to allow the passage offluid therethrough, said internal slider movable between a closedposition operable to prevent the flow of fluid through the fitment andan open position in which the apertures and the ports are aligned anddefine a passageway through which fluid can flow, the internal sliderbeing adapted to be moved between said closed and open positions byinsertion of a dispensing connector into said external slider adjacentsaid internal slider; and biasing means for resiliently biasing saidinternal slider towards said closed position.
 7. The valve according toclaim 6, wherein the biasing means comprises at least one projectionlocated on one of the external slider and the internal slider, the atleast one projection abutting against at least a portion of the otherslider.
 8. A fitment for attachment to a container for holding anddispensing a fluid, the fitment comprising: a spout having an externalsurface capable of mating with a collar of a dispensing connector anddefining a fluid passageway therethrough; an external slider movableaxially within said fluid passageway; and an internal slider movableaxially within said external slider, said internal slider movablebetween a closed position operable to prevent the flow of fluid throughthe passageway and an open position operable to allow the flow of fluidthrough the passageway, the internal slider being adapted to be movedbetween said closed and open positions by insertion of a dispensingconnector into said external slider adjacent said internal slider; andat least one of the external slider and the internal slider havingbiasing means located thereon to bias the internal slider and theexternal slider into the closed position.
 9. A fitment according toclaim 8, wherein the biasing means comprises at least one projectionlocated on one of the external slider and the internal slider, the atleast one projection abutting against at least a portion of the otherslider.
 10. A container for holding and dispensing fluid comprising: afitment attached to a wall of said container, forming an outlet for thecontainer extending from the fluid storage space within the container;an external slider complementarily shaped to said fluid passage andcarried therein, the slider being axially movable with respect to thefluid passage; and a second internal slider complementarily shaped tosaid external slider and carried therein, said internal slider movableaxially within said external slider between a closed position operableto prevent the fluid from flowing through the fitment and an openposition operable to allow fluid to flow through the fitment and out ofthe container, the internal slider being biased towards said closedposition.
 11. A container according to claim 10 wherein the internalslider is biased towards said closed position by said external slider.